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Recycleables - Tutorial - Paper Doll House

We were all set this morning, coats, gloves and hats on ready to head out the door until...

Snow...and rain...and icy winds...and...no

So back inside and now I've have a three year old who was desperately looking forward to a walk around the town this morning,

because this morning we were supposed to be going to get her some new ballet pumps.

Ah well, such is life I guess. I'll measure her feet and run down tomorrow while she's with Nana, come hell or high water.

So I needed something to take her mind off, still wanting to go out regardless of the weather.

Hmm, crafts with nothing planned.

A paper dolls house.

All you need to complete this very simple project are 2 pieces of stiff card (or a cardbox box will do).A glue stick (or PVA or Mod Podge, whatevers within reaching distance)Some sharp scissors (for you)And the Ikea catalogue (or home inspiration magazines like Ideal Home)

You need to have a quick flick through the catalogue or magazines and tear our ny pages with a room which pretty much covers the majority of the page (its easier to manage this with the Ikea book trust me). Then with the scissors cut a very narrow slot halfway along the long side of the card and halfway through the card. Slot the two pieces together to look like this.

Then you want to give the three year old a glue stick and swan off into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Now you'll need a damp sponge to quickly sponge the (hopefully) still wet glue off the carpet because you weren't intelligent enough to put a mat or drop cloth down first.

Or if you're that way inclined you can sit and watch to make sure she "stays within the lines".

It's much easier if you keep the two pieces of card slotted together and then lie the whoel thing flat on the floor, that way all you have to do is make sure that the magazine pages you stick to the two facing sides are both of a kitchen, or bedroom or whatever.

Like this.

Carry on around all four sides (you'll need eight magazine pages in total) and it shoudl wind up looking something like this.

Doesn;t she looked pleased with herself. I cut two small slots near the corners at each side of the "kitchen" and strung a length of silver cord across, before hanging up a little t-shirt and trousers I cut from some old fabric. I'd picked up those tiny clothes pegs to use for hanging cards at Christmas and I've been trying to think of something else to use them for.

If you're feeling particular inspired and creative you could always colour the pieces of card yourself, then cut out individual pieces of furniture, chairs lamps that kind of thing and have fun designing your very own rooms.

My 6 and 4 yr olds are doing this RIGHT now and LOVING IT - I also cut blank paper dolls from cardstock (and made stands the same way you put the house togthere) and they are cutting out faces and clothes to put on them!! SO cute! Thanks for a fantastic idea!